Glycol based dehumidifier system

ABSTRACT

A glycol based dehumidifier system allows for the removal of water vapor from air in an air conditioner. A glycol solution is chilled and passed though the flow of air to remove the water vapor allowing it be further cooled an for the air to absorb moisture from the closed space being controlled by the air conditioner.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to air conditioning systems, and more specifically, to a system that improves the performance of a conventional air conditioner by removing the humidity from the air that is being cooled.

2. Description of Related Art

Air conditioning systems are well known in the art and are effective means to control the temperature of a closed space. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a conventional air conditioner 101 where room air is moved across coils filled with cold refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air resulting in a phase change and is then compressed to a liquid and exhaust heat out of the system, it is then expanded to reduce pressure and enters the coils again.

One of the problems commonly associated with system 101 is its limited efficiency. For example, the room air contains water vapor that prevents the air from cooling much past 65 degrees Fahrenheit limiting the cooling of the closed space.

Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of air conditioners, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a common air conditioner;

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a glycol based dehumidifier system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the reservoir of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the preferred method of use of the system of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of the system in FIG. 2.

While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional air conditioners. Specifically, the invention of the present application removes the water vapor from them room air allowing the air to cool to about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIG. 2 depicts a schematic of a glycol based dehumidifier system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system 201 overcomes one of more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional air conditioners.

In the contemplated embodiment, system 201 includes a reservoir 203 filled with a glycol solution 205 having coils 207 passing therethrough and configured to chill the glycol solution 205 via a condenser 211. This glycol solution 205 is passed through the room air of an air conditioner 101 where it further cools the air and removes the water vapor therefrom. The glycol solution 205 then returns the reservoir 203 and is cooled again. The glycol solution 205 is moved from the reservoir 203 to the air conditioner 101 via an electric pump 209.

It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is that the water vapor from the room air is removed allowing it to be further chilled an improve the efficiency of the air conditioner 101. It will be appreciated that the glycol solution 205 does not mix with the room air and that it operates as closed loop system.

It will be understood that a reversing valve (not shown) could be used to reverse the flow of the system 201 to run the cycle in reverse.

Referring now to FIG. 3 a cross-sectional side view of the reservoir 203 is depicted. Reservoir 203 having a body 301 that encloses a compartment 303. It will be appreciated that volume of the compartment 303 will be smaller or larger dependent on amount of glycol solution 205 needed to remove the water vapor from the room air.

It will be appreciated that system 201 will greatly improve the efficiency of conventional evaporative air conditioners that chill air by passing it through screens wetted with water. It will be understood that in areas were the air contains high amounts of water or humidity that evaporative coolers are less efficient. The preferred method of using system 201 with an evaporative cooler is depicted in FIG. 4. Method 401 including channeling the chilled glycol solution through the air of a evaporative cooler 403, allowing the glycol to chill the air 405, allowing the moisture in the air to condensate 407, using the air to cool a space 409 and repeating the process while the evaporative cooler is in use 411.

Referring now to FIG. 5 an alternative embodiment of the system 201 is depicted. Embodiment 501 including similar features as system 201 wherein the glycol 205 flow in tubing 517 from the reservoir 203 passes through the water 505 of an evaporative cooler 503. Wherein a body 507 encloses a space 509 where the water 505 is stored. Air 515 passes from a first side 511 to a second side 513 as the water is circulated near the first side 511 and allowed to evaporate. The glycol 205 flow chills the water 505 enabling it to chill the air and reduce the humidity thereof as it exists through the second side 513.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

What is claimed:
 1. A glycol based dehumidifier system comprising: at least one reservoir and coils that are filled with a glycol solution; were the coils are in fluid communication with the glycol solution of the reservoir; and at least one pump configured to move the glycol solution from the reservoir to the path of air in an air conditioner; wherein the glycol solution in the coils chills the glycol solution in the reservoir; and wherein the glycol solution passing through the air from the air conditioner removes water vapor therefrom.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the glycol solution is 70% glycol by volume.
 3. The method of removing water vapor from air given the system of claim 1, comprising: channeling the chilled glycol solution through the air of a evaporative cooler; allowing the glycol to chill the air; allowing the moisture in the air to condensate; using the air to cool a space; and repeating the process while the evaporative cooler is in use. 